Students at Leyton Sixth Form College are offered the opportunity to complete a qualification in Sports Leadership, where they learn and demonstrate important life skills. These include effective communication and organisation, all within a sporting environment, with a focus around engaging young people, older generations, and their community in a variety of different physical activities.
At LSC the Level 3 Award in Sports Leadership is offered to students. Upon completion, students will have completed 30 hours of volunteering, as well as submitting learner evidence records and practically demonstrating their knowledge and ability in sports leadership. It is an extremely popular pathway, due to the hands on aspect, as well as the gaining of a qualification at the end (which is even worth UCAS points!).
In collaboration with the community outreach team and the Waltham Forest Borough Council, we as a sports department initiated a weekly sports programme aimed at older adults (50+). This was a fantastic opportunity for students completing the Level 3 Sports Leadership Award to not only gain the necessary volunteering hours to complete the qualification, but also give back to the community, and give older adults the opportunity to remain active and social. A variety of sports were included in the programme, including cricket, basketball and even some seated exercise!
A short extract from Mary, one of the keen participants!
"I am taking this opportunity to thank all the students and Sixth Form team who enabled us in so many ways these past three weeks. My 'street cred' went off the scale when I casually mentioned I had been playing basketball...🏀
Speaking personally I really did enjoy the time I spent with you all, it was seriously good fun - so thanks once again! 💯 Mary"
Tia Jones (Sports Leadership Student 2019/20)
"Completing volunteering hours is something I thought would be quite daunting - but being able to help run an indoor athletics competition for year 7 & 8 students was a fun and enjoyable experience, which I would definitely do again! I was in charge of helping with triple jump, making sure they completed all 3 jumps, and then measuring at the end. I also helped count the speed bounces during the obstacle course. I really enjoyed talking to the students, and encouraging them throughout the day. I would like to gain more experience working with children, and continue to develop my leadership skills!"